SaberCat Dance Tryouts Attract just Under 300
Tim Ball
Monday March 18, 2002
Why such a large turnout?
For the professionalism and pride of a whole city, that’s why. Not to mention, the SaberKittens are the highest paid dancers in football. As Arena Football skyrockets in popularity and validity, a large attendance should be expected.
The numbers: 293 applied...172 auditioned...27 were finalists...16 ladies were selected...
Now that`s competition.
Teri Schafer, Director of the SaberKittens, has worked for the Golden State Warriors (`94-`96), Raiders(`97), 49ers(`98) and is currently a National and Regional Judge for High School Cheerleading competitions. With a BA in Mass Communication coupled with over 20 years of Dance training.
Schafer brings a seriousness and professionalism to her position of Director that is appreciated and respected by the women who make up the dance team. This is one reason so many professionals want to represent the SaberCats organization. Besides, Arena Football is FUN!
"I look for dancers who can handle the responsibilities of the position,” said Schafer. “They are representing not only a team but the whole of Arena Football as well. I want experience but I want team members to have career goals as well".
Leila Wright, who`s been dancing since age 2, was a SaberKitten Line Captain in 2001 and is returning for her third season. She is currently enrolled at San Jose State, majoring in Business and Communication. Her mother, Lana Wright, owns Lana`s Dance Studios in Gilroy and Morgan Hill CA., where close to half of the SaberKittens train...
"I`m so happy to be returning,” said Leila. “My first two seasons were so great. Teri runs a tight ship and expects the best from us. There were so many dancers trying out this year and you have to compete each year to win a spot on the team. I`m so happy I made it. I love to represent the SaberCats. The fans appreciate us and I have always been treated so good by them. I`m looking forward to the season".
"I know a lot of the SaberKittens,” said Lana I couldn`t be more proud that my daughter earned the spot she has. Most people have no idea the years of training it takes to be a professional cheerleader/dancer. The SaberCats organization is so professional in the handling of the SaberKittens. They honor the commitment the women make to be on the team".
Bobbie Fedkiw is returning for her second season. Bobbie received a four-year scholarship to State University where she majored in Marketing. Having been a cheerleader for three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Bobbie also knows the professional side of dancing. Bobbie`s husband is a professor at Stanford and they both are also busy raising their 2 year old daughter, Brittany.
"It was a big thing being involved with the Chiefs. In Kansas City it doesn`t get any bigger,” said Fedkiw. "The SaberCats are similar in that there is a lot of excitement at the games. I appreciate how professional the SaberKitten dance team is. The fans are so supportive and the organization treats us all so well. This city deserves a championship".
Fedkiw and Leila Wright represent the kind of professionals that make up the SaberKitten Dance While the SaberCats are busy building a championship team it is clear that the dance squad holds the same goals.
The SaberKittens are far from being a garnish at SaberCat games. There is pride to this Dance team that impresses virtually every fan, man OR woman who attends SaberCats games. They`re mentioned in just about every conversation about the SaberCats Arena Football experience.
The SaberKittens are accessible after each game, shaking hands and sincerely thanking people for attending. Fans flock to them, but, before you think it`s JUST guys, there are literally squadrons of girls who dress up like SaberKittens while attending games. With rapidly aging fathers in tow, they seek out their heroes to get photos.
Trust me I know from experience... My five-year old daughter Dakota emulates their dances all game long. Good thing for me though, she wants to be a doctor and a SaberKitten, "when she grows up." (Good, she`ll be able to give me a bypass and fix my hairline too)
SaberCats and SaberKittens Who wouldn`t want to be part of this young tradition in the Bay Area. Arena Football "Get It All"...
Well, like Nascar, it all starts with a great race first. The SaberCats season is beginning the same way. Good Luck to Teri Schafer and the dancers who make the SaberKittens and SaberCats organization such outstanding representatives of this great sport...
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
